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A sushi chain growing in Borneo and a new halal partnership with Indonesia lead the good food news from Malaysia this week. There's also a Melaka roti canai maker who works with one hand, and a Shah Alam cafe that wants your old shopping bags. Here's what happened between 10 and 13 November.
Empire Sushi aims for about 165 outlets
Empire Premium Food, which runs Empire Sushi, now has 156 outlets after five openings in the July to September quarter. It is aiming for about 165 by the end of March 2027, with a focus on building a stronger presence in Sabah and Sarawak. The group also declared its first interim dividend. (The Star)
Malaysia and Indonesia move towards a joint halal council
JAKIM and Indonesia's halal agency BPJPH agreed in Jakarta on a concept paper for the Malaysia-Indonesia Halal Council. It is meant to smooth cross-border certification and open more doors for small halal businesses. JAKIM will take the paper to the Malaysian Cabinet. (Bernama)
Kedah's halal makers get a helping hand
The Malaysia Halal Tour made its final stop of the year in Sungai Petani on 10 November. The Halal Development Corporation wants to help 200 small businesses earn Malaysian halal certification through the tour this year. (Bernama)
One-handed flying roti in Melaka
Khairi Badri Zainurin lost his left hand in a road accident in 2017, then went back to the dough and taught himself to toss roti canai with one hand. You'll find him at the Ujang Asam Pedas stall in the Wholesale Market Food Court, Batu Berendam, where his flying roti has become a big draw. Of his weeks in hospital, he said: "I missed working with dough so much." (Bernama)
A cafe swaps bags for good
O'Briens Irish Sandwich Cafe Malaysia signed an agreement with the green group MySayang Malaysia to run BAGi, a reusable bag exchange, at its cafe in Management & Science University, Shah Alam. Leave a clean bag you don't need, or take one if you forgot yours. (The Star)
Also this week: Miri chef Kenny Gan took third place at the World Tapas Championship in Spain. Read the full story.
Sources
- Empire Premium Food targets 165 outlets by March 2027 — The Star, 2026-11-11
- Malaysia, Indonesia Agree On Concept Paper For Proposed Joint Halal Council — Bernama, 2026-11-12
- JHM To Empower MSMEs, Drive Kedah's Halal Industry Growth — Bernama, 2026-11-10
- One-armed Man Defies Odds With Flying Roti Canai Skills — Bernama, 2026-11-12
- Cafe chain joins NGO in sustainable bag initiative — The Star, 2026-11-12